Can tree wounds heal?
– Healing is the repair of damaged tissue. Trees cannot heal damaged tissue. Instead they call off damaged areas from healthy areas through a process known as compartmentalization, this is their defense mechanism. The damaged tissue (decay) will remain isolated within the tree for life. Evidence of this is seen when a felled tree is examined. • Is topping good for a tree? – After planting too deep, topping is the next major cause for tree decline and death. Topping creates weakened, stresed trees that are unsafe. NEVER top trees. • Does it aid healing to apply tree wound paint to wounds and pruning cuts? – Tree wound paint does not prevent rot and in some cases promotes it by sealing in moisture. Do not paint wounds or pruning cuts. • How should pruning cuts be made in relation to the remaining brach or trunk? – Flush cuts destroy the tree cells that seal off the wound from the healthy part of the tree. Pruning cuts should be made on the outside of the branch collar. The branch collar
